Any Recommendations for a Durable Digital Camera for a Toddler?
Updated on
October 14, 2009
M.M.
asks from
Blue Springs, MO
10
answers
My son likes doing whatever I am doing, including trying to use my camera, so I want to get him his own digital camera for Christmas. I need a good quality camera so we can have decent pictures and to see the world through his eyes. I have heard many brands like Polaroid, Little Tykes, Fisher Price, etc. all have them, but want to know if anyone has had experience with any of them. If so, please tell me the pros and cons you noticed. For example: picture quality, ease of use, durability, price, or any other factors or information you believe would be useful in making this decision. I don't want to waste money! Thanks in advance!
We got the Mickey mouse camera--I think it's by kidpix. It's NOT the one with Mickey's hands coming in front like he's holding the camera...that one gets bad reviews. You can add Mickey & Friends, Pooh & Friends and little Einstein images to pictures if you want to. The resolution is a lot higher than most kids cameras. I got mine on ebay for about $25...like brand new but I think they are about $60 at Target etc.
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B.B.
answers from
Springfield
on
I've purchased digital cameras for both of my girls (10 and 5); the best camera, believe it or not, has been the Hannah Montana! It takes 'good' pictures, not great; it also allows the kids to download the pictures easily and add fun backgrounds. I bought it for my five year old and she loves it.
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M.J.
answers from
Kansas City
on
We have the Fisher Price Kid Tough camera. It doesn't take the best pictures- but it is now almost 5 yrs old and still looks brand new and the pictures are the same quality as they were 5 yrs ago. It has gone through 3 kids-- they still use it-- it has been dropped, kicked, thrown, left outside, thrown down stairs, drooled on, spilled on, you name it! The pictures are not terrible- they're just not the kind of quality you would get from the kind of camera you would buy for yourself. And the batteries last for a long time. It is easy to use for 2 yr olds as well as 6 yr olds.
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M.B.
answers from
Kansas City
on
Hi!
We got our daughter (4 years old) a crayola one last year. The pictures are great, it can do video too and it's supper durable - she drops it all the time!
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M.L.
answers from
Wichita
on
I think we did fisher price (the yellow one). The pictures are grainy but the kids love it. They can add frames or a pig nose, pirate eye patch and hat. We've taken it to the zoo and vacation and it's fun to develop the pictures.
I've uploaded them to kodakgallery.com and made a book. Not quality pics but worth the money.
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L.B.
answers from
St. Joseph
on
I loved the Fisher Price because it worked like a view master in that they used both eyes to focus on what they were taking a picture of. It is EXTREMELY durable (throw it down the stairs or whatever and it will still work). Picture quality was a little dark for inside shots though. I have heard the V-Tech one is slightly better on this. I would go for one that has the highest megapixel that you can get and DEFINITELY only digital...they just take WAAAAY too many pictures to be able to afford film anymore and besides, they want to see their work immediately anyway!
The price...well, you will get what you pay for. Pick your poison and be ready to pay the price...if you want durability, picture quality, and easy use you will probably be in the $60 market and up. If you don't mind used, I'd be trolling on ebay and craigslist. You don't mention how old your child is but if you are looking for the ultimate in durability I'd say you ought to stick with the Fisher Price or V-tech's as they are indestructible. I also believe there is one out there now that is waterproof to 10' so you can take it to the pool too!
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T.A.
answers from
St. Louis
on
we have the fischer price one, it is durable but does not produce quality pics for the pricetag!!
I would not do it again!!
Tks T.
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A.S.
answers from
Kansas City
on
We bought our daughter the Dora Digital Camera (I think it's made by Memorex) and she's had it for two years now. They make one in Diego too. Their retail price is $59.99, but I got ours off of ebay (new, in the package) for $12.50 including shipping. It talks and takes decent pictures. Also, the thing that makes it super user friendly for kids is that the button to take the pictures is on the front of the camera (where a kid would normally put his/her hands) so it's very easy for them to snap the pictures.
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F.B.
answers from
Kansas City
on
you definitely want digital...then you can print if you want and not all the wonderful pictures of the floor, your nose, their finger, etc. We have the fisher price one, I can't believe this thing still works all it's been through, but it does. We have gotten it damp (left outside) but never dropped it in liquid. it's very easy for them to hold since he has essentially handles on each side.
Good Luck!
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L.B.
answers from
Columbia
on
Hi,
I recently bought a digital camera for my 5y/o son called "Green Bean". It's a great camera for him because it's durable, manageable, and takes a good pic.
The part I like best about it is that you don't have to spend a fortune on batteries! (most kid cameras go through batteries like underwear) Hook it up to your computer and it charges! Keeps a charge for a long time, too.
It's marketed as an outdoor camera, hiking and what not (has a careen clip built in), so some indoor pictures don't turn out w/o flash. Here is a website that sells them. I bought mine @ Best buy.
http://shopper.cnet.com/digital-cameras/argus-bean-5-mega... I was surprised how small it is, especially for being a 5MP camera. It does not have optic zoom...which, for kids, is a good thing b/c they break easily.
Some might find that because the Green Bean is small, they can't see the display well enough. It's a matter of preference.
Hope this helps.
Happy Hunting!
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